- Partnership for Learning Launches Washington STEM Initiative
- The New Teacher Project Begins Analysis of Three Washington Districts
- Governor Gregoire Signs New Definition of Basic Education
Partnership for Learning Launches Washington STEM Initiative
The Washington STEM Initiative seeks to improve student achievement and opportunity in areas critical to our state's economic prosperity: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The Initiative aims to catalyze innovation in the state's K-12 education system, increase teacher effectiveness and student learning, and dramatically raise the number of Washington students graduating ready for college and work and succeeding in STEM degree programs. These efforts are intended to benefit every student in the state, with a particular emphasis on accelerating the achievement of low-income and minority students.
Partnership for Learning is coordinating the design of the STEM Initiative, including the launch of a new Washington STEM Center possessing the world-class leadership and resources necessary to drive a statewide effort of this unprecedented scale.
Learn more about the Washington STEM Initiative.
The New Teacher Project Begins Analysis of Three Washington Districts
The launch of a Washington STEM Center is a key component of the Washington STEM Initiative. In order to ensure that the new Center opens ready to make an impact on student learning, Partnership for Learning is collaborating with The New Teacher Project (TNTP) to issue recommendations for improving the recruitment, retention and effectiveness of Washington math and science teachers.
After a month-long selection process, we are pleased to announce
Renton, Nooksack Valley and Spokane as our district partners with
TNTP. In selecting these districts, the Partnership sought partners
with strong leadership, which would represent Washington state both
demographically and geographically. Each district has committed to
assist TNTP with building a district-level fact base on the dynamics
that drive the shortage of math and science teachers in our state and
limit their effectiveness in the classroom.
From there, the Partnership will work with TNTP to produce a final
report with recommendations for improving district, state and other
policies and practices that impact the recruitment, retention and
effectiveness of Washington teachers. This is exciting work and we are honored that a nationally-known group
such as TNTP has targeted Washington as a key state for analysis of
teacher effectiveness.
Governor Gregoire Signs New Definition of Basic Education
Last month, the Washington legislature passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2261 (ESHB 2261) -- the first significant overhaul of basic education since 1979. And, last week, Gov. Chris Gregoire signed the bill into law.A broad-based coalition of parents, business leaders, community members and education stakeholders worked closely with legislators for months to pass this landmark education reform legislation. And, thanks to our shared efforts, ESHB 2261 now redefines basic education to provide all students with the opportunity to graduate from high school prepared for college, careers and citizenship. Among other promising reforms, the new definition of basic education includes:
- An increase in high school graduation requirements to 24 credits,
- Full-day kindergarten for all students,
- Programs for highly capable students,
- A data system that ties teacher performance to student performance to school and district performance, and
- An accountability system with state authority to intervene in the lowest performing schools and districts.
The legislation also creates a number of work groups that will continue to expand this effort -- one of which will examine teacher certification and compensation, and another that will make recommendations regarding whether or not early learning should be included in the definition of basic education. The remaining work to be done will continue over several years with the goal of beginning implementation in 2011, and full implementation of the new definition of basic education no later than 2018.
View a detailed summary of the workgroups created by ESHB 2261.
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